Monte San Giusto: Art, Churches and Historic Centre

Monte San Giusto lies among the gentle hills of the Marche and overlooks the Chienti Valley. In the historic centre, narrow streets known as “gabbe” shape the townscape. You can explore the centre on foot; the route through the historic centre enters through Porta Romana. Along the way, you will encounter different chapters of architectural and artistic history—from the Renaissance to works from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Renaissance and Museum at Palazzo Bonafede

Palazzo Bonafede was built between 1513 and 1524. It is both a Renaissance residence and a fortress. The MUD, a museum tour, links the palazzo with the Chiesa Collegiata di Santo Stefano and the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Purità. This approach takes in several sites of art and architecture, rather than focusing on a single building.

The Museo di Palazzo Bonafede brings together different collections. These include a collection of old drawings by Alessandro Maggiori, with important works from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The art gallery features works by Alessandro Ricci and Luigi Fontana. A permanent exhibition of artistic nativity scenes is curated by Andrea Pistolesi. Drawings, paintings and nativity scenes each bring their own distinct focus to the museum.

Churches and works spanning several centuries

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà in Telusiano was rebuilt between 1513 and 1529 as a mausoleum for the Bonafede family. Lorenzo Lotto’s Crocifissione remains in its original frame inside the church. Nicolò Bonafede commissioned the work for the high altar, where it was installed by September 1529. The Crocifissione was created around 1529–1534 and is considered a masterpiece by the artist. The church also preserves remains of late-16th-century frescoes attributed to Durante Nobili di Caldarola.

The Chiesa Collegiata di Santo Stefano, the town’s main church, was built between 1765 and 1781. Its artworks include a wooden statue of the Madonna Incoronata from the 16th century, attributed to the Umbrian-Marchigian school. There is also a 15th-century fresco depicting a Madonna del Latte. A church tour begins at Santo Stefano and continues to the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà, the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino and the cloister. This makes it possible to visit the different sites as stops along a route; check the access arrangements for each one before your visit.

Festival, craftsmanship and cycling experiences

The Clown&Clown Festival brings together art, entertainment and social engagement. This international event turns the town’s streets into a large stage every year. The Teatro Durastante adds to the cultural offering as a theatre with 235 seats. Shoemaking is also part of the local tradition: businesses and artisan workshops carry it on, combining high-quality craftsmanship with innovation and design.

For an active perspective, Monte San Giusto’s official outdoor programme offers three cycling experiences: by e-bike, mountain bike or gravel bike, accompanied by local guides. If you are considering one of them, check beforehand which options are currently available. This lets you plan around the different possibilities without assuming a specific route.

Find a hotel in Monte San Giusto

If you are looking for a hotel in Monte San Giusto, use your plans as a guide: would you like to focus on the palazzo and church art, the historic centre or a guided cycling experience? The town combines these cultural and active pursuits with its location in the hills above the Chienti Valley.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Castelsantangelo Sul Nera, Cessapalombo, Molino, Sarnano, Alfi, Torrone, Tolentino, Ripe San Ginesio.

For the main travel overview: Macerata.